Why Docklands is a Great Place to Work and Play

Sitting across vast swathes of East and South London, the Docklands area occupies space through several of the Capital’s boroughs, including Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Greenwich. The docks were formerly part of the Port of London which, through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, was classed as one of the world’s busiest shipping ports.

These days, Docklands is dominated by Canary Wharf, which has become the capital’s second-largest financial district after the City of London. But while this dense cluster of skyscrapers is impressive, the area has begun to grow to accommodate a broader range of business types in more affordable areas such as Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs.

If you’re looking for office space in Docklands then you’re not going to be disappointed. Many old industrial warehouses have been demolished to make way for modern and contemporary office buildings, high-rises and commercial spaces. However, some have also been beautifully restored to create serviced offices and shared workspaces with conference facilities, breakout areas, meeting rooms, 24-hour access, members’ bars and all the mod cons.

Commuting to Docklands

Docklands stations

Canary Wharf Underground Station, Zone 2, Heron Quays Road, E14 4HJ
Elizabeth Line
Docklands Light Railway
Jubilee Line

Canada Water Underground Station, Zone 2, Deal Porter Way, SE16 2YS
Jubilee Line
London Overground

North Greenwich Underground Station, Zone 2/3, Millennium Way, SE10 0PH
Jubilee Line
IFS Cloud Cable Car

Canning Town Underground Station, Zone 2, Silverton Way E16 1DQ
Jubilee Line
Docklands Light Railway

Royal Victoria DLR Station, Zone 3, Canning Town, E16 1LG
Docklands Light Railway
IFS Cloud Cable Car

Heron Quays DLR Station, Zone 2, Canary Wharf, E14 9GU

Crossharbour DLR Station, Zone 2, Eastferry Road, E14 9QD

Limehouse DLR Station, Zone 2, Commercial Road, E14 7JD

Surrey Quays Rail Station, Zone 2, Rotherhithe, SE16 2UF
London Overground

Docklands buses

276, 300, 376, D7, 139, 148, 24, 3, 453, 6, 788, 88

Things To Do In Docklands

These days, to make a trip to the office worthwhile, your office and the immediate area have to offer significantly more than workers can find at home. And Docklands, with its abundance of retail spaces, restaurants, bars and gyms, along with its Thames-side venues and excellent transport links, does all that and more.

IFS Cloud Cable Car

Enjoy a ride high above one of the world’s most famous stretches of water in the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Running between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks, you’ll enjoy views of the London skyline and the Greenwich Peninsula. Time your trip just right and you’ll also get to see the sunset over the city.

Cutty Sark

Not everything in London’s Docklands is new. The Cutty Sark, which was the fastest sailing ship of its time, is the world’s only surviving tea clipper. You can step aboard and experience life on the open waves in the 19th century without having to leave the comfortable confines of Greenwich.

Best for team building

Fun activities that bring your team together can improve communication, boost collaboration and give everyone a well-earned break. And there are plenty of things to do in Docklands, London, within easy reach of the available office space.

WakeUp Docklands

It would be a travesty to be based so close to the water without ever getting out there on it. WakeUp Docklands gives you that chance. It offers inner-city wakeboarding and paddleboarding sessions in one of the world’s most unique settings. And if you really want to show the team who’s boss, why not give hydrofoiling a try?

The Gun Docklands

Once you’ve finished splashing around, dial things down a notch with a visit to The Gun, a Grade II-listed waterside pub with incredible views of the river and the city. The riverside terrace is the perfect spot to make memories with the team and enjoy the seasonal menu as the sun sets over the O2.

Best for out-of-office meetings

There are few better places to dazzle a client or welcome a new hire than Docklands. Wherever your office space is located, excellent restaurants, rooftop bars and views of the Thames are never too far away.

Bokan 37

Bokan 37 is a terrific bar, restaurant and rooftop complex in the Docklands that serves modern European food and cocktails from the 37th floor of the Novotel building. Be inspired by the backdrop of Canary Wharf and enjoy food that’s every bit as good as the views.

Plateau Bar & Grill

Surrounded by the vast crystalline skyline of West India Quay, Plateau serves French cuisine with a contemporary twist from head chef Jeremy Trehout. Its bar and grill offers a more relaxed setting with a menu to please every taste.

Burger & Lobster - West India Quay

There aren’t any surprises at Burger & Lobster, with juicy burgers and fresh whole lobsters served to taste. There’s also the large Tap Terrace where you can enjoy great beer, cocktails and good times with your teams and your clients.

Best for wellbeing

Before the pandemic, the workplace wellness agenda was led by a handful of forward-thinking companies, but now that’s changed. If you want your teams to be happy, healthy and engaged at work, you have to take wellbeing seriously. Office space in the Docklands helps you do that, with plenty of green spaces, some excellent gyms and its restorative proximity to the water.

Docklands parks and gardens

Greenwich Park is one of London’s eight Royal parks and features stunning gardens and a rich history, all overlooking the River Thames. You can take a walking meeting through the ancient tree avenues, enjoy a lunchtime run or do some alfresco dining at the Pavillion Cafe. Mudchute Park and Farm is a community-based charity set in 32 acres of Docklands countryside. It’s home to rare breeds, horses and ponies and is the perfect place to get
away from the office and recharge.

Docklands gyms

Staff who want to keep fit and healthy will find a good variety of gyms and fitness facilities within easy reach of their Docklands offices. Third Space Canary Wharf is Europe’s largest luxury health club in the heart of Canada Square. It offers more than 300 classes per week and three floors of training space, along with a 23-metre training pool and spa.

Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre offers something a bit different. Whether it’s a team bonding session or simply the chance to get out on the water, you can get involved in sailing, dragon boating, rowing canoeing and powerboating.